Icelandic Adventure | May 18, 2024

$5799 $5599 per person

⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and reflects early booking discount (land only).

*Single Supplement rate is $6999 CAD (this includes the early booking savings). Only 2 single rooms available. If you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate, of the same gender, please reach out to us for details.

*Prices are subject to change until final payment without previous notice depending on any significant increase in rates, taxes, fuel or due to availability problems.

*This group departure will take 16-24 participants maximum.

*Air Round Trip International Airfare routing/pricing based on a request basis. On select dates, direct flights available from Vancouver and Toronto to Reykjavik with Icelandair.

*Please note: Airport arrivals into Keflavik airport are in the early morning. With our scheduled arrival of May 19th you will be able to check into your hotel that morning, before your early afternoon guided city tour of Reykjavik. In order to accommodate early check-in for May 19th arrivals, we have included the room for the previous night. If you choose to arrive the day earlier (May 18th) you can take advantage of that full extra night. Check-in time will be around 3pm if you decide to do that.

Early Booking Price Expires December 1st, 2023 (or until sold out)

Icelandic Adventure: May 18-26, 2024

Join Trip Merchant Journeys on this incredible small group adventure through the land of fire and ice – Iceland! This country will be one of the most unique destinations you will travel to…Iceland is a fascinating country full of lava fields, volcanoes, geothermal pools, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, small remote fishing villages, welcoming people, delicious cuisine, and it is home to not only the “Vikings”, but also a variety of bird and marine life.

After two successful Iceland group departures in May of 2023, we have added new departures for 2024, and we haven’t changed much at all, due to the incredible reviews on this trip! Iceland is booming with tourism and 2023 is their busiest year for international visitors yet! If you’ve always wanted to visit Iceland, then the time is now! From the itinerary routing, the many inclusions and highlights, to the sites and regions we visit throughout, this trip to Iceland will be bound to impress you!

Itinerary Routing (7 Nights):

1 Night: Reykjavik – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum (pre-night included for early arrival. In this case, 8 nights is an option at no extra cost)
3 Nights: Vik – Hótel Vík í Mýrdal
1 Night: Vestmanneyjar (Westman Islands) – Hotel Vestmanneyjar
2 Nights: Reykjavik: Alda Hotel (or similar)

Highlights:

Enjoy a tour of Reykjavík (by foot and on bus) during which we visit the main landmarks of the city including a stop at the Perlan, a dome built on warm water tanks, Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of Reykjavík’s most famous monuments and more.
Travel along the scenic Golden Circe route to visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. Along this drive you will also go to Geysir, visit the famous Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Visit Friðheimar greenhouses and discover one of the many benefits of geothermal energy: greenhouse horticulture. Following your visit, enjoy a delicious lunch here.
Walk on Reynisfjara, a magnificent black, volcanic sand beach with basalt columns of all sizes and shapes! You will also have incredible views of Dyrhólaey.
Visit Skaftafell National Park and further east still, we continue our discovery of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.
Jökulsárlón boat cruise: We will go onboard an amphibian boat for a cruise of 30-40 minutes among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. These ice giants drift peacefully towards the ocean under the impassive gaze of some indolent seals.
Travel to Skógar, where you will see and explore the powerful Skógafoss Waterfall and visit the Skógar museum. Not too far away, you will also visit another stunning waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, where it is possible to walk behind it and go through to the other side!
Then set off to explore the Westman Islands by ferry, Iceland’s best kept secret and also home to the largest puffin colony in the country! You will explore the island of Heimaey, by taking an excursion by bus and on foot around the island of Heimaey, which also home to the volcano, Eldfell.
Drive through the southwest corner of Iceland for a tour of Reykjanes, the “smoky peninsula”, before visiting the Blue Lagoon to relax in the natural geothermal water surrounded by mysterious black lava fields.
There are many highlights and breathtaking scenery to enjoy along the way!
Optional Post Tour Extension Available to Snæfellsnes & Borgarfjörður – 4 Nights/5 Days (more details below).

What’s Included:

Not Included:

International airfare (Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the international airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway – depending on the day of departure and your city, direct flights are available from Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal) | Optional excursions (as listed in the day by day itinerary) | Optional post tour extension (4 nights/5 days) | Out of Country Cancellation and Medical Insurance is mandatory (proof of insurance coverage will be required)

Terms and Conditions:

$500 per person deposit | If you cancel prior to December 1st, 2023, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after December 1st, 2023

Final Balance: March 15th, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final payment)

MORE DETAILS TO COME! OPTIONAL POST EXTENSION: Snæfellsnes & Borgarfjörður - 4 Nights/5 Days

Snæfellsnes & Borgarfjörður: May 26-30, 2024

Days 9 & 10: Reykjavík – Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Stykkishólmur / Approx. 400km

Your driver-guide picks you up at your hotel in Reykjavík in the morning on day 9 to start the first day of this extension. You depart north toward Borgarnes and then, Snæfellsnes Peninsula region, in which you will discover for the next 2 days.

Then explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula! The Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland´s West is almost like a miniature of the whole country. There are white and black beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, lush valleys, unique harbors in charming fishing villages and a world-renowned glacier. The stunning landscapes of the peninsula have captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”; the amazing Snæfellsjökull glacier is where the journey begins and the Stromboli volcano in Italy is where it ends.

Our journey includes, among other places, stops at the basalt pillars of Gerðuberg; Búðir, a former port of commerce where today you can see a beautiful small wooden church surrounded by a lava field; Arnarstapi, a small fishing village where you can have a look at the fascinating rock formations by the old pier and basalt columns of all sizes and shapes; and the black beach of Djúpalónssandur. On the north of the peninsula, we will drive along the shore of the Breiðafjörður Bay, passing through fishing villages, including Grundarfjörður, where we stop nearby the beautiful Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. Weather permitting, hikes will also be possible, in places such as Eldborg crater, Búðarhraun lava field, or along the coast between Hellnar and Arnarstapi, to name but a few places.

On Day 9: You will have an included visit to the Settlement Center in Borgarnes. The Settlement Exhibition is devoted to recreating Iceland’s earliest days and provides an insight into the settlement of the Vikings who sailed from Norway to these remote shores. The Egil´s Saga Exhibition, on the other hand, profiles one of the most colorful of all the saga heroes, Egill, the son of Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson.

On Day 10: You will have a visit to the Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm. At the Bjarnarhöfn farm in the Stykkishólmur area you will discover the excellent Shark Museum. “Tasting” is included, for guaranteed grimaces and good laughs! The friendly curators and owners reveal fascinating details about the local Greenland shark from which traditional ‘hakarl’ is made. The shark processing operation has been the livelihood of this family for generations and for decades they have been the one of the country’s leading producer of ‘hakarl’.

Dinners and overnight in Stykkishólmur area.

Day 11: Stykkishólmur – Borgarfjörður / approx. 200 km

Along the north coast of Snæfellsnes, we head east towards Búðardalur village and the Dalir region where we stop to visit Eiríksstaðir Viking farm (visit included), where Eiríkur rauði (aka Erik the Red) lived before settling around 980 on the southernmost tip of a land he and his descendants would call “Greenland”. Among his descendants was his son, Leifur Eíriksson, “discoverer” of Vínland, on the east coast of Canada, first white man to set foot on the American continent in the year 1000, some 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

Later in the day, we reach the Borgarfjörður area, not too far from Baula, the largest mountain in the West of Iceland, Grábrók, a small but picturesque volcanic crater, and Glanni, a beautiful waterfall on the Norðurá river.

On this day, we also make a stop at the Icelandic Goat Centre in Háafell (visit included). This farm is working towards protecting and maintaining the goat stock in Iceland.

Overnight in Borgarfjörður area.

Day 12: Borgarfjörður / approx. 100 km

We visit the Borgarfjörður region. Stop at the splendid waterfalls Barnafoss and Hraunfossar where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. On the way, we also stop at Deildarthuguhver, Iceland’s largest hot spring (180 liters of boiling water per second!).

Overnight in Borgarfjörður area.

Note: Part of the day can be spent hiking in Húsafell area and/or realizing some of the optional activities available such as the Husafell Canyon Baths (visit the day by day itinerary for more details).

Day 13: Hvalfjörður – Reykjavík / approx. 150 km

We drive back to Reykjavík along the coast of Hvalfjörður fjord, at the bottom of which is Glymur, the second highest waterfall in Iceland (200m). The waterfall drops into a mossy, green and majestic canyon. We go on hike to approach this hidden gem. Even though this hike is not too long or extremely difficult, you will need to face some challenges on your way up: uneven terrain, steep slopes and more…

Return to Reykjavík in the afternoon and be taken to the Keflavik International Airport for your overnight flight home.

Rates:

*PRICING DETAILS TO COME!

Inclusions:

Round trip in a private vehicle/bus for 5 days (days 9 to 13), with local English-speaking driver-guide, according to itinerary.
4 nights at hotel/country hotel outside of Reykjavik, in standard room
8 meals – 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners in countryside hotel on day 9 to 12 (3 course group menu or buffet, tap water included)
All taxes and tipping included

Deposit & Final Payment:

*MORE DETAILS TO COME!

Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 3

Mention Group Booking Number: TMJICE0524

TESTIMONIALS

“Thanks for organizing a great trip and being able to change plans so seamlessly. The alternative activities were very good. The Trip Merchant Journeys trip to Iceland was phenomenal. We had so many unique experiences in a place that is so different from other countries. The activities were well planned and the overall experience was very positive. Thanks for a trip of a lifetime.”

“Trip Merchant- first class! Thank you for a successful, enjoyable trip. I look forward to choosing another one with you!”

"Exploring an spending time in Iceland has really peaked my curiosity an love for the outdoors. We need to continue to protect an support biodiversity in nature both land an water. It was interesting to learn more about geothermal energy a unique solution."

"I was keeping my expectations lowish because I don’t generally take guided tours. I was so impressed. Trip Merchant so far exceeded my expectations - the tour guides, the meals, everything we saw. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on upcoming tours they offer and would have no qualms about booking another."

"Travel with Trip Merchant and feel the difference quality makes. I wouldn't travel with anybody other than Trip Merchant!"

"Loved the hotel in Vik for 3 nights. ALL the meals! Iceland’s incredible landscape…every single day there was something awesome to feast your eyes on…"

"Very impressed with Trip Merchants Iceland Tour, just as we were with a previous Egypt trip. The tour was well organized and conducted at a reasonable pace. The hotels, meals, transportation and tour guides were exceptional. The trip provided good coverage of most of the highlights of Iceland and was well worth the money!"

"Love Iceland! There were too many highlights throughout this Trip Merchant Journeys program. Iceland is so diverse, and so fascinating! Look forward to returning one day.

9 Days/7 Nights

16 Meals

Europe

Group Departures

Guided Tours

Trip Merchant Journeys

Trip Merchant Journeys Group Departures

Destination

Iceland
Arrival City

Reykjavik, Iceland
Departure City

Reykjavik, Iceland
Activity Level

This tour is moderate in terms of physical activity; however, some days or excursions may require more physical activity
Passenger Limit

16-24 passengers

Saturday, May 18, 2024: International Depart (Overnight Flight)

Today you will fly on your international flight to start your Icelandic adventure! Flights depart in the evening from Canada, with an arrival into Keflavik Airport in the early morning (approx. 6am).

*Please note: On May 18th, we have included the room this evening in Reykjavik so that when travellers arrive on the 19th on the early morning flight from Canada you will be able to check into your hotel once you are transferred from the Keflavik airport to your Reykjavik hotel. This allows you to settle in, sleep and/or relax, before your early afternoon guided city tour of Reykjavik. For anyone that wishes to arrive a day earlier into Reykjavik on May 18th, you can do so and have this hotel night included (with an afternoon check in).

Sunday, May 19, 2024: Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík / 50 km

Arrival at Keflavík International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík. Along the way, drive through the lunar, volcanic landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula. Check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, we go on a tour of Reykjavík (by foot and on bus) during which we visit the main landmarks of the city. We stop at Perlan, a dome built on warm water tanks, and Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of Reykjavík’s most famous monuments. We also visit the small city center where we see Tjörnin (the “lake” of Reykjavík), the Town Hall (built partly on the lake), the Parliament building and the harbor, dominated by Harpa, Reykjavík’s modernistic concert hall and conference center.

Welcome dinner in a gastronomic restaurant and overnight in Reykjavík.

Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum (1 Night)

Hotel Reykjavík Centrum stands in the bustling city center within walking distance of museums, restaurants and bars. Located on Aðalstræti, one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets, in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764. On either side of it, new buildings have been built in the likeness of their historic predecessors Fjalakötturinn and Uppsalir.

Hotel Website: https://www.islandshotel.is/hotels-in-iceland/hotel-reykjavik-centrum

Meals Provided: Dinner

Monday, May 20, 2024: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík / approx. 300 km

We start our journey by visiting Thingvellir National Park, a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the geological wonders of the world where you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields.

We then go on to visit Friðheimar greenhouses (visit and lunch included). Discover one of the many benefits of geothermal energy: greenhouse horticulture. Visit an organic greenhouse where tomatoes grow throughout the year thanks to the geothermal resources of the region. Tomato tasting at the end of the visit. Following your visit, enjoy a delicious lunch.

We then go to Geysir where the geyser Strokkur ejects its water column high into the air every 5–10 minutes and where numerous small springs boil and bubble. After visiting this remarkable site, we take a short detour to the famous Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.

We depart towards Iceland’s South Coast and Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, located in an idyllic setting famous for the Reynisdrangar pillars that rise from the sea just off the shore.

Accommodation: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal (3 Nights)

Based in the country’s southernmost village, Hótel Vík í Mýrdal has provided a warm welcome to visitors since 2004. The family-run hotel is remote and yet modern with its style being inspired by the natural wonders it is wrapped in: a mix of concrete, basalt, wood, and glass creates a contemporary feel that reflects the natural environment in which the hotel sits. Location: With a 10 minute walk to the beach or a 2 minute drive to town, Hotel Vík í Mýrdal is set on the most beautiful location in Iceland. You will find our hotel to be perfect for a peaceful holiday, with plenty of space for a quiet night’s sleep after hiking outside during the day, and lots of attractions within easy reach.

Hotel Website: https://www.stayinvik.is/

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday, May 21, 2024: Vík and its surrounding / approx. 50 km

Close to Vík, at the southernmost point in Iceland, we will walk on Reynisfjara, a magnificent black, volcanic sand beach with basalt columns of all sizes and shapes. We also approach Dyrhólaey Cliffs, parts of which might be closed during the nesting season. However, we will enjoy views of its magnificent, natural arch.

Afternoon spent at leisure in the pleasant village of Vík. Go on a hike towards the church or, if you dare, up the steep slopes of Reynisfjall to enjoy vistas over the entire region. You can also go on a stroll along endless stretches of black sandy beach, enjoy a beer at the local brewery or go shopping at the local wool store. Or, take a horse back riding experience on the unique horses of Iceland. See below optional excursion description.

Accommodation: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

*Tip: Grocery store is within a short walking distance for snacks or even a light lunch option such as a sandwich.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION:

Horseback riding tour in Vík -Easygoing one-hour ride suited for beginners and people who don’t go horseback riding often. This scenic ride in the beautiful environment of Vík includes crossing a little stream, a ride along the black sand beach and a good time with our wonderful Icelandic Horses who are, of course, the highlight of the tour. Included: Guide and gear / Weight limit: 110kg - 242lbs

Wednesday, May 22, 2024: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón / approx. 400 km

From Vík, we drive over Mýrdalssandur and the vast Eldhraun lava field to Kirkjubæjarklastur region. Further east, beyond Lómagnúpur cliffs, the highest in Iceland (670m), we discover Skaftafell National Park.

At the feet of Öræfajökull stratovolcano and Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in the country (2110m), we are surrounded by the glacier tongues emanating from Vatnajökull icecap on one side and Skeiðarársandur volcanic sand plains on the other side. Weather permitting, we go on a hike in the National Park to Svartifoss waterfall (approx. 3 miles, 1,5-2hrs). For those members of the group who would not be willing to enjoy this hike, an alternative easy walk will be suggested, or they can take some time to relax at the visitor center.

Further east still, we continue our discovery of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Stop at Jökulsárlón and here you will go on board an amphibian boat for a cruise of 30-40 minutes among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. These ice giants drift peacefully towards the ocean under the impassive gaze of some indolent seals. Following the boat cruise, we take time to walk around in these magnificent surroundings, including on the nearby beach (“Diamond beach”).

By the end of the day, we head back to our accommodation in Vík, followed by dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday, May 23, 2024: South Coast – Westman Islands / approx. 80 km + ferry crossing

We start the day by driving along the South Coast back toward the west. In Skógar, we will see the powerful Skógafoss. As well, you will visit the Skógar folk museum and immerse yourself in the daily life of Icelanders of past centuries. Discover a vast collection of artifacts touching on all aspects of life (fishing, embroidery, breeding, culture, transportation, etc.) and step in old houses such as a traditional farmhouse with peat walls and a grass-covered roof.

Stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall special not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side!

Then we set off to explore the Westman Islands (ferry crossing of approx. 30 minutes). Excursion by bus and on foot around the island of Heimaey, the only inhabited island of this volcanic archipelago. It was the scene of the famous eruption of 1973 which saw the village being partly covered with lava, ash and volcanic scoria. During this eruption a new volcano was born: Eldfell. In spring and until mid-August, it is possible to observe a large colony of puffins which come to nest here before leaving the coast to spend the winter at sea. Dinner and overnight on Westman Islands.

Accommodation: Hótel Vestmannaeyjar (1 Night)

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar allows guests to explore the island’s breathtaking scenery while providing comfortable and relaxing accommodation. The hotel provides direct access to the fantastic hiking and bird watching of the island, and also offers exciting activities and tours to help guests get the most out of their stay. The hotel offers flexible room arrangements to suit all guests, from family rooms to suites. Rooms (all ensuite) are with TV and Wi-Fi.

Hotel Website: https://hotelvestmannaeyjar.is/

https://youtu.be/K4lqk9z_Qh0

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Friday, May 24, 2024: Westman Islands – Reykjanes Peninsula – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavík / approx. 380 km

Ferry crossing back to the mainland in the morning. We then drive toward the southwest corner of Iceland for a tour of Reykjanes, the “smoky peninsula”. After driving along its south coast, we discover the beautiful lake Kleifarvatn and walk through the colourful solfataras of Krýsuvik. From there, we continue our journey towards the fishing village of Grindavik and through moonlike lava landscape, all the way to the Gunnuhver geothermal area and the lighthouse of Reykjanestá, literally “Reykjanes’ toe” at the extremity of the peninsula.

Our last visit will be at the Blue Lagoon (Comfort package included). This geothermal Spa is an amazing sight where you can take a relaxing bath in natural geothermal water surrounded by mysterious black lava fields. Overnight in Reykjavík (for 2 nights).

Accommodation: Hotel Alda, Reykjavik (https://www.icelandhotelcollectionbyberjaya.com/en/hotels/reykjavik/hotel-alda-reykjavik) or similar (2 Nights)

*Hotel Information: At Alda Hotel Reykjavik, we combine a fantastic location, on Reykjavik‘s main shopping street, Laugavegur, with a harmonious atmosphere. Our boutique-style hotel, where rooms vary in shapes and sizes, offer a calm escape. The idea of Alda Hotel Reykjavík is to provide tranquil space in the middle of the city to take in and process the expressions from the adventures experienced in Iceland. We are located on the upper end of Laugavegur (otherwise known as the quiet part), around a 15-minute walk from the center of the city. We are close to shops, cafés, and restaurants but away from the central nightlife area.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Saturday, May 25, 2024: Reykjavík

Day spent at leisure in Reykjavík or enjoy one of the optional tours per below! Overnight in Reykjavík.

Note: Add-ons below (whale-watching, Sky Lagoon, the Lava Tunnel and Inside the Volcano) can be booked on an individual basis, on this day or on the morning of day 9, depending on flight schedules.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner hosted by Trip Merchant Journeys!

Accommodation: Hotel Alda, Reykjavik 0r similar hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:

Whale watching from Reykjavík: Go on board an old fishing boat for a whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay. Duration: Appox. 3 hrs / Not included: Guidance, transfer by foot or in taxi to the harbor from the hotel.

Sky Lagoon: This thermal spa inspired by nature is situated minutes away from Reykjavík. Immerse yourself in warmth at the oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Then, take your relaxation deeper with the Ritual, a unique seven-step experience. Included with supplement: Pure pass including admission fee, Sky Lagoon Ritual and towel rental. / Not included: Guidance, transfer in taxi to the lagoon from the hotel.

The Lava Tunnel – Raufarhólshellir: Discover one of the longest natural lava tubes in Iceland. With the aid of easy-access walkways, you discover an ancient lava tunnel illuminated by beautiful lighting effects. Impressive and surrealistic experience! Duration: Approx. 3hr / Included with supplement: Transfer from Reykjavík, guided tour, helmet and headlight.

Inside the Volcano: Unique experience that will allow you to discover an ancient volcano from the inside. At the end of a relatively easy walk, but still requiring the ability to hike on an irregular path of approx. 3.5 km (approx. 45 min, there AND back), you reach the mouth of the crater. You then board an open cable lift that will allow you to reach the bottom of a vast volcanic cave in which you could easily fit the Statue of Liberty or the church of Hallgrímskirkja, one of the largest buildings in Iceland. You are in an old magma chamber with oxidized and sulphurous walls, where molten lava circulated some 4000 years ago. With a floor of some 3500m² /35,000 ft² and a ceiling rising more than 200m / 650 ft above your heads, you are at the heart of an underground cathedral of gigantic proportions. Amazing! Duration: Approx. 5-6hrs / Included: Transfer from Reykjavík, local English-speaking guide.

*Prices available on request basis for the above optional excursions

Sunday, May 26, 2024: Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport / 50 km OR Post-Tour Extension (Reykjavík – Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Stykkishólmur / Approx. 400km)

Today you bid farwell to Iceland!

Breakfast at hotel and you can explore the city or take an optional tour this morning before the late afternoon/early evening flight departure.

Transfer from your hotel to Keflavík International Airport and departure flight.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

POST TOUR EXTENSION (MAY 26-30, 2024): Snæfellsnes & Borgarfjörður – 4 Nights/ 5 Days

Day 9: Your driver-guide picks you up at your hotel in Reykjavík in the morning on day 9 to start the first day of this extension. You depart north toward Borgarnes and then, Snæfellsnes Peninsula region, in which you will discover for the next 2 days.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland´s West is almost like a miniature of the whole country. There are white and black beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, lush valleys, unique harbors in charming fishing villages and a world-renowned glacier. The stunning landscapes of the peninsula have captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”; the amazing Snæfellsjökull glacier is where the journey begins and the Stromboli volcano in Italy is where it ends.

Accommodation: Fosshotel Stykkishólmur (2 Nights)

The atmosphere of this beautiful town Stykkishólmur is set by old houses that make you feel like a time traveler. Fosshotel Stykkisholmur is in a fishing village of Stykkishólmur, sometimes called the town of thousand islands. The atmosphere of this beautiful town is set by old houses that make you feel like a time traveler. It is an ideal destination for those who are visiting the Snæfellsnes peninsula or exploring the spectacular wildlife around the islands.

Today (Day 9): You will have an included visit to the Settlement Center in Borgarnes. The Settlement Exhibition is devoted to recreating Iceland’s earliest days and provides an insight into the settlement of the Vikings who sailed from Norway to these remote shores. The Egil´s Saga Exhibition, on the other hand, profiles one of the most colorful of all the saga heroes, Egill, the son of Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson.

Hotel Website: https://www.islandshotel.is/hotels-in-iceland/fosshotel-stykkisholmur or similar hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Monday, May 27, 2024: Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Stykkishólmur

Day 10: The Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland´s West is almost like a miniature of the whole country. There are white and black beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, lush valleys, unique harbors in charming fishing villages and a world-renowned glacier. The stunning landscapes of the peninsula have captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”; the amazing Snæfellsjökull glacier is where the journey begins and the Stromboli volcano in Italy is where it ends.

Today (Day 10): You will have a visit to the Shark Museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm. At the Bjarnarhöfn farm in the Stykkishólmur area you will discover the excellent Shark Museum. "Tasting" is included, for guaranteed grimaces and good laughs! The friendly curators and owners reveal fascinating details about the local Greenland shark from which traditional ‘hakarl’ is made. The shark processing operation has been the livelihood of this family for generations and for decades they have been the one of the country’s leading producer of ‘hakarl’.

Accommodation: Fosshotel Stykkishólmur or similar hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Stykkishólmur – Borgarfjörður / approx. 200 km

Day 11: Along the north coast of Snæfellsnes, we head east towards Búðardalur village and the Dalir region where we stop to visit Eiríksstaðir Viking farm (visit included), where Eiríkur rauði (aka Erik the Red) lived before settling around 980 on the southernmost tip of a land he and his descendants would call “Greenland”. Among his descendants was his son, Leifur Eíriksson, “discoverer” of Vínland, on the east coast of Canada, first white man to set foot on the American continent in the year 1000, some 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

On this day, we also make a stop at the Icelandic Goat Centre in Háafell (visit included). This farm is working towards protecting and maintaining the goat stock in Iceland. Overnight in Borgarfjörður area.

Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykholt ( 2 Nights) or similar hotel

Fosshotel Reykholt is a romantic country hotel with a beautiful spa in a calm and relaxing surroundings. The hotel is situated in the legendary location of Reykholt in Borgarfjörður. Once the home of historian and poet Snorri Sturluson, Reykholt is one of Iceland's major historic sites. Bounteous in captivating scenery the area is full of lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, craters and caves.

Hotel Website: https://www.islandshotel.is/hotels-in-iceland/fosshotel-reykholt or similar hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday, May 31, 2023: Borgarfjörður / approx. 100 km

Day 12: We visit the Borgarfjörður region. Stop at the splendid waterfalls Barnafoss and Hraunfossar where the water flows out from beneath a lava field into the river below. On the way, we also stop at Deildarthuguhver, Iceland’s largest hot spring (180 liters of boiling water per second!). Overnight in Borgarfjörður area.

Note: Part of the day can be spent hiking in Húsafell area and/or realizing some of the optional activities below.

Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykholt or similar hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:

Húsafell Canyon Baths There is no experience more authentically Icelandic than hiking through the surreal landscapes of the highlands followed by a relaxing soak in a geothermal pool. The Húsafell locals who undertook the Canyon Baths project went to great lengths to keep the entire structure as environmentally unobtrusive, sustainable and true to the area’s heritage as possible. Choose from two geothermal pools of varying temperatures, 30-41°C (86-105°F), plus a cold-water spring at 10°C (50°F), each with a spectacular view of the surrounding canyon, mountains and glaciers. Duration: Approx. 2hrs / Included with supplement: Transport from Húsafell, guided hike, access to geothermal bath and towel rental.

Into the Glacier – Ice tunnel in Langjökull (Possible Option): It is time to kick the action into a higher gear and head Into the Glacier, or more precisely up Langjökull icecap and into an amazing man-made tunnel, dug deep into the ice! Aboard a monster truck mounted on eight huge wheels, you reach the top of Langjökull and visit this incredible underworld labyrinth. A truly unique experience! Duration: Approx. 3 to 4hrs / Included with supplement: Supertruck shuttle from Húsafell and guided tour.

Thursday, June 1, 2023: Hvalfjörður – Reykjavík / approx. 150 km

Day 13: We drive back to Reykjavík along the coast of Hvalfjörður fjord, at the bottom of which is Glymur, the second highest waterfall in Iceland (200m). The waterfall drops into a mossy, green and majestic canyon. We go on hike to approach this hidden gem. Even though this hike is not too long or extremely difficult, you will need to face some challenges on your way up: uneven terrain, steep slopes and more...Return to Reykjavík and Keflavik International airport in the afternoon for your flight back home!

Meals Provided: Breakfast

*Please Note: All activities are all weather dependent. Alternative activities will be provided if this is the case.

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